In the wake of all this, retail analytics specialists may need to rely more on data gleaned from stealth-like monitoring apps like those developed by Euclid, which uses shoppers’ smartphone Wi-Fi signals to reveal their movements inside a store. The technology doesn’t require shoppers to opt-in.

For a peek at the skills needed to work in such an environment, a Euclid job description for an analytics scientist includes:

Predictive Modeling and Analysis Experience

Applying Machine Learning to Complex Problems

Proficiency with SQL

Proficiency in Python, R, Ruby or other Modern Scripting Languages

Familiarity with Unix Environments

Retail Analytics Jobs in Demand

Whether consumers lock down the release of their information or opt out — if that’s possible — of systems that monitor their shopping data, it’s unlikely retailers will give up on efforts to learn more about their customers, online or offline. As a result, the demand for retail analytics specialists will likely grow.

Retailers who issue their own branded credit cards, for instance, will continue to use point-of-sale transactions to gather up customer-specific purchasing data. Thus, retail analytics specialists with experience in POS systems will continue to find their skills in demand.